takeout

1 of 3

noun

take·​out ˈtāk-ˌau̇t 

1

a

: prepared food packaged to be consumed away from its place of sale

b

: an establishment selling takeout

2

: the action or an act of taking out

3

a

: something taken out or prepared to be taken out

b(1)

: an article (as in a newspaper) printed on consecutive pages so as to be conveniently removed

(2)

: an intensive study or report

take-out

2 of 3

adjective

ˈtāk-ˌau̇t 

: of, relating to, selling, or being food not to be consumed on the premises

take-out counter

a take-out supper

take out

3 of 3

verb

took out; taken out; taking out; takes out

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: deduct, separate

(2)

: exclude, omit

(3)

: withdraw, withhold

b

: to find release for : vent

take out their resentments on one another

—J. W. Aldridge

c(1)

: eliminate

(2)

: kill, destroy

(3)

: knock out

2

a

: to obtain from the proper authority

take out a charter

take out a second mortgage

b

: to arrange for (insurance)

3

: to take as an equivalent in another form

took the debt out in trade

4

: to overcall (a bridge partner) in a different suit

intransitive verb

: to start on a course : set out

Phrases

take it out on

: to expend anger, vexation, or frustration in harassment of

Synonyms

Verb

• unleash
• give way (to)
• release

Examples of takeout in a Sentence

Noun

We ordered some Chinese takeout.

She works in a Chinese takeout.

Verb

he took out his frustrations by splitting a cord of firewood

she'd like to take the new boy out to the movies sometime

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Most of these deals are for dine-in only, not takeout or delivery. —Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025

Initially, the new location will offer takeout only. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2025

Adjective

But the location at ASU is strictly a dine-in or take-out style cafe. —Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 22 Aug. 2025

All are worthy, but the 69-year-old Brewery Bar II shows many of them up with its face-meltingly hot variety of the traditional stew, available in cups, bowls, take-out containers and atop Mexican dishes and combos — including its unbeatable crispy rellenos. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025

Verb

First of all, young people should learn the importance of compound interest before using a credit card as their only means of a financial parachute or taking out a student loan. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Aug. 2025

However, depending on the size of your pantry, all that food storage can feel overwhelming or feel so tight that taking out a can of tomatoes can feel like a round of Jenga. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1941, in the meaning defined above

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing takeout

• takeout double

Rhymes for takeout

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

takeout

1 of 2 noun

take·​out ˈtā-ˌkau̇t 

1

: the action or an act of taking out

2

: something taken out or made to be taken out

3

: prepared food packaged to be eaten away from its place of sale

take out

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)tā-ˈkau̇t

1

a

: to take away : deduct

b

: remove entry 1 sense 4

2

: to find release for : vent

took out their anger on me

3

: to conduct or escort into the open or to a public entertainment

4

: to take as payment in another form

took the debt out in goods

5

: to obtain from the proper authority

take out a charter

6

: to start on a course : set out